Unique experiences in extraordinary locations: the special features of ILLERHAUS networking events
Susanne Illerhaus has been shaping the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions, events) for more than 23 years with her company ILLERHAUS Marketing. As a pioneer in this field, she has specialized in networking events that take place in unusual locations such as ships and mountain peaks. In an exclusive interview, Ms. Illerhaus gives us an insight into the special features of her events, recalls outstanding moments from the past few years and provides an outlook on her inspiring plans for 2024.
Ms. Illerhaus, you founded your company ILLERHAUS Marketing over 23 years ago. How would you describe ILLERHAUS Marketing in 3 meaningful sentences?
ILLERHAUS Marketing is a pioneer in the MICE industry, specializing in various types of networking events such as MICE industry meetings and fam trips. We create focused networking platforms for professionals from the meetings, incentives, conventions and events sector with the aim of promoting profitable and personal exchange in exceptional locations. The focus here is on efficiency and effectiveness. An important time to discuss future projects in detail with business partners.
You bring the players in the MICE industry together at your networking events. Tell us more about your events and what makes your networking events so special?
ILLERHAUS Marketing 's MICE industry meetings are unique because they take place in unusual locations such as ships, islands and mountain peaks. The special atmosphere encourages active exchange and creates an engaging atmosphere. The focus is on intensive discussions, while the joint trips create a special bond.
Have you successfully managed around 100 events in the past few years? Could you perhaps tell us about a particular highlight and tell us which event you particularly remember?
ILLERHAUS Marketing has been organizing MICE industry get-togethers on lakes, rivers, summits and in special locations for 18 years now. With over 80 industry meetings, 140 fam trips and various events, we have an impressive track record.
What I will always remember:
2018: MICE Gipfeltreff Tegernsee AUF dem Wallberg. 2 days before the event, we were informed that a storm was approaching and the cable car up the Wallberg would not be running.
I will never forget how we set up a completely new event in two adjacent huts in 2 days and a violent hailstorm occurred just in time for the start of the event. Since then, EVERYONE has known: safety first!
July 2020: MICE industry get-together Starberger See - in the midst of the pandemic. Due to the lack of distancing on the ship, we moved the event to the Florianstadl at Andechs Monastery.
Four weeks before the event, we first got the go-ahead from the district administrator and were able to hold the industry get-together with one-way street systems, distancing, masks, etc.
We were called "pioneers of the MICE industry". It was a very nerve-wracking time!
Especially after the coronavirus pandemic, personal networking has become even more important. But what does personal networking mean to you and why is it so important?
I believe that the event industry can hardly survive without a network.
Because it is simply important to have people in the business environment who can give advice, pass on inspiration, share tips and exchange experiences. The industry also needs trust. I personally visit all locations in advance. If "a movie plays in my head" and I have trust in the business partners, the business relationship can develop and mature.
At the ILLERHAUS networking events, we ensure that personal encounters in a relaxed atmosphere promote an exchange between like-minded people.
2023 was a year full of inspiration & diversity for you. What's next in 2024? What can the MICE world look forward to?
2024 promises to present new ideas, first-class keynote speakers and exciting topics such as shared values, happiness and connectedness. We are expanding our offering with new locations, including Tegernsee, Stuttgart and Switzerland. The importance of networking will be emphasized and the MICE industry get-togethers will continue to focus on personal encounters between various MICE players. We are also planning great and inspiring fam trips, MICE events and road shows. So it remains very exciting and a regular visit to our homepage or listing in our newsletter for invitations is worthwhile!